Have you ever been to Japan during cherry blossom season? If not, this spring could be the perfect time to go! In April, cherry blossoms—known as sakura in Japanese—cover the country in soft shades of pink and white. These delicate flowers bloom for only five to seven days before their petals fall, creating a breathtaking sight. Unlike most fruit-bearing cherry trees, many varieties of sakura are purely ornamental, cultivated for their beauty rather than for producing cherries.
Since Japan stretches from south to north, cherry blossoms don’t bloom everywhere at the same time. In Tokyo, Kyoto, and Osaka, the bloom usually happens between late March and early April. The last blossoms appear in Hokkaido in early May.
The tradition of hanami, or "flower viewing," has been part of Japanese culture for centuries. It began at the imperial court during the first millennium, when nobles would gather under the blossoms to admire their beauty and compose poetry. Over time, the custom spread beyond the aristocracy, becoming a beloved tradition for all. Today, hanami is a time for families, friends, and colleagues to gather in parks, enjoy food and drinks, and celebrate the fleeting beauty of sakura.
Hanami has a deep meaning. The short-lived bloom of cherry blossoms symbolizes the impermanence of life, reminding people to appreciate the present moment. This appreciation of life's fleeting beauty is at the heart of Japanese culture.
Every region in Japan has its own way of celebrating sakura season. In this post, we’ll take you through the best places to see the blossoms and what makes each location special.
How Japan Celebrates Cherry Blossom Season
Tokyo: Vibrant Festivities in the Capital
Tokyo’s cherry blossom season is lively and full of energy. People gather in parks like Ueno Park, Shinjuku Gyoen, and along the Meguro River for hanami picnics, spreading out blankets under the trees to enjoy food, drinks, and laughter. Evening illuminations, or yozakura, turn the trees into glowing pink clouds, creating a magical atmosphere.
What to Do in Tokyo
- Visit Ueno Park – One of the most famous spots for hanami with over 1,000 cherry trees.
- Take a boat ride at Chidorigafuchi – A unique perspective of the blossoms from the water.
- Enjoy evening illuminations at Meguro River – Beautifully lit trees create a magical atmosphere.
- Explore Asakusa’s Sumida Park – A picturesque view with Tokyo Skytree in the background.
- Attend the Chiyoda Cherry Blossom Festival – Features cultural events and food stalls.
Kyoto: A Traditional and Elegant Celebration
Kyoto’s cherry blossom season is a picture of elegance, with iconic landmarks like Maruyama Park, Philosopher’s Path, and Kiyomizu-dera becoming even more enchanting under the delicate pink petals. Heian Shrine hosts tea ceremonies under the blossoms, while Arashiyama’s bamboo forest offers a scenic blend of greenery and sakura.
What to Do in Kyoto
- Stroll along the Philosopher’s Path – A scenic walk lined with hundreds of cherry trees.
- Visit Maruyama Park – Home to Kyoto’s most famous weeping cherry tree.
- Experience a tea ceremony at Heian Shrine – Enjoy sakura-themed Japanese tea.
- Capture the view from Kiyomizu-dera Temple – One of Kyoto’s most iconic cherry blossom scenes.
- Explore the bamboo groves of Arashiyama – A perfect blend of greenery and pink blossoms.
Kumamoto: A More Serene Experience
Kumamoto, on the island of Kyushu, offers a relaxed hanami experience. The grounds of Kumamoto Castle provide a striking contrast between the historic stone walls and the vibrant pink blossoms. Suizenji Jojuen Garden, with its traditional landscaping, is another scenic spot. During this season, local events often include samurai reenactments and traditional music performances.
What to Do in Kumamoto
- Admire Kumamoto Castle – A stunning blend of history and nature with sakura framing the structure.
- Visit Suizenji Jojuen Garden – A peaceful spot with traditional landscaping and cherry trees.
- Explore the Ezu Lake area – A quiet and less crowded hanami location.
- Attend cultural performances at local festivals – Enjoy samurai reenactments and traditional music.
- Taste regional specialties at food stalls – Try karashi renkon and other Kumamoto delicacies.
Hokkaido: The Last Blossoms of Spring
While hanami remains a popular tradition, Hokkaido adds its own touch to the season. Locals celebrate with flower festivals, picnics in historic parks, and seasonal food markets. Maruyama Park in Sapporo and Goryokaku Park in Hakodate offer vast spaces for hanami, with the latter featuring a star-shaped fortress covered in sakura. The Sapporo Lilac Festival often overlaps with cherry blossom season, offering a unique mix of spring flowers.
What to Do in Hokkaido
- Visit Maruyama Park in Sapporo – One of the best hanami spots with open spaces and vibrant blooms.
- Explore Goryokaku Park in Hakodate – A star-shaped fortress covered in cherry blossoms.
- Climb Goryokaku Tower – For a bird’s-eye view of the stunning pink landscape.
- Join the Sapporo Lilac Festival – Celebrating both cherry blossoms and lilacs.
- Enjoy a jingisukan barbecue under the trees – A Hokkaido specialty of grilled lamb.
Cherry Blossom-Themed Foods
Spring in Japan is also a time for seasonal foods that capture the essence of sakura. Many of these treats are only available for a short time, making them even more special. Whether enjoyed during a hanami picnic, at a street festival, or in a cozy café, these seasonal flavors are a highlight of spring.
Sakura Anpan – This soft, slightly sweet bread roll is filled with cherry blossom-flavored bean paste. Some versions come with a salted sakura flower on top, adding a light floral aroma and a subtle contrast of flavors.
Hanami Dango – A skewer of three chewy rice dumplings in pink, white, and green. This colorful treat is a must-have during hanami, symbolizing cherry blossoms (pink), snow (white), and fresh spring leaves (green).
Sakura Soba – These light pink buckwheat noodles are made with cherry blossom essence, giving them a delicate floral scent. They’re often served cold with dipping sauce or in a simple warm broth, making them a refreshing choice for spring.
Sakura Onigiri – Rice balls mixed with salted cherry blossom petals, giving a light floral taste. Some versions also include pickled plum or bonito flakes, adding a tangy or savory kick to balance the mild sweetness.
Sakura Castella – A fluffy Japanese sponge cake with a delicate cherry blossom flavor. Often topped with a thin glaze of honey or sugar syrup, this cake is a popular seasonal treat at tea houses and bakeries.
Spring Tempura – A crisp and light version of tempura, featuring fresh seasonal vegetables like bamboo shoots, wild greens, and fiddlehead ferns. The batter highlights the natural flavors, making it a popular snack at hanami gatherings.
Sakura-Flavored Wagashi – A variety of traditional Japanese sweets infused with cherry blossom flavors. Favorites include sakura mochi (soft rice cakes wrapped in pickled cherry leaves), yokan (sweet bean jelly with sakura layers), and sakura manju (steamed cakes with a floral bean paste filling).
Cherry Blossom Souvenirs to Bring Home
If you want to take a piece of sakura season home with you, there are plenty of beautiful and unique souvenirs to choose from:
- Sakura Scented Incense and Candles – Fill your space with the delicate fragrance of cherry blossoms.
- Sakura-Flavored Sweets – Packaged mochi, chocolates, cookies, and even sakura tea make great gifts.
- Cherry Blossom-Infused Sake – A seasonal specialty that captures the floral essence of sakura season.
- Sakura Kimono or Yukata – Light, floral-patterned garments perfect for spring.
- Pressed Sakura Petals in Frames or Notebooks – A delicate and artistic keepsake.
- Sakura-Themed Tableware – Plates, bowls, teacups, and chopsticks with elegant cherry blossom designs, perfect for a spring-inspired dining set.
- Sakura Perfume or Essential Oils – Fragrances infused with cherry blossom essence for a light, floral scent.
- Sakura Hair Accessories – Decorative hairpins, combs, and scrunchies featuring cherry blossom designs, popular for traditional and modern outfits.
Stay Connected During Cherry Blossom Season in Japan
While experiencing Japan’s breathtaking cherry blossom season, having a reliable internet connection is essential. Whether you're navigating crowded hanami spots, sharing stunning sakura photos, or staying connected with friends and family, you’ll need seamless coverage. With Japan JetSet eSIM, you can enjoy fast and reliable internet in Tokyo, Kyoto, and even in scenic rural areas—without roaming fees. Stay online and make the most of your sakura adventure!
